GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF HIV/AIDS RESPONSE SITES AND SERVICES IN SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In spite of the global and national fight against HIV/AIDS and the huge amount voted to combat the disease, literature reveals that only small percentage of people in need of HIV/AIDS services in developing countries, Nigeria inclusive, have access to them (UNAIDS/WHO, 2002 a; WHO, 2002a; 2003;UNAIDS, 2004; Action aids, 2007). Most studies on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria are centered on prevention, public awareness strategies and some related issues such as assessing the impacts of these strategies. This study analyzed the spatial patterns and characteristics of healthcare facilities and HIV/AIDS response sites. It also examined rural-urban variation in the distribution of healthcare facilities (HCF) and the relationship between the population distribution and healthcare facilities (HCF), particularly Human Immune Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) response sites in Sokoto State. The relevant concepts adopted for the study were the central place theory, the concept of municipal politics; the location-allocation model and the health belief model. The primary data for the study involved the use of GPS receiver to obtain the locations of healthcare facilities and HIV/AIDS response sites. The secondary data used included the list of all healthcare facilities at community and LGA levels, administrative maps and the population data for the State. The spatial analyses of the phenomenon of interest were carried out on the basis of the LGAs. All the healthcare facilities in the 23 LGAs of the state were targeted for the study. The study recommends that a robust database for healthcare facilities be developed at all levels. This will provide a framework for effective management of all aspects of HCFs and HIV/AIDS services. Also, it will enhance information flow to people who require healthcare services especially the specialized ones and aid in location decision making.